flow of traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flow of traffic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the movement of vehicles or pedestrians in a particular area, often in the context of transportation or urban planning. Example: "The city implemented new traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic during rush hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The worm created an unexpected flow of traffic".

The New York Times - Tech

My verdict: Seth should keep the flow of traffic moving.

The New York Times

The flow of traffic, to everyone's relief, was more or less dead.

The New Yorker

What we should be aiming for is a continuous, smooth flow of traffic".

The Guardian

She offered her opinion that a moving demonstration would have improved the flow of traffic.

The New York Times

"We know we need to improve the flow of traffic and improve pedestrian safety," he said.

The New York Times

Much rubbernecking ensued, slowing the flow of traffic and, presumably, inducing yet more rage.

The New Yorker

It was also rather odd that he drove out into Møllergata against the flow of traffic.

The Guardian

With sirens blaring, both car and van raced backward against the flow of traffic.

The New Yorker

In theory, this should reduce congestion by balancing the flow of traffic throughout the day.

The New York Times - Arts

So we are watching representations of complex phenomena: the flow of traffic and of water.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing urban planning or transportation, use "flow of traffic" to describe how vehicles and pedestrians move through an area. For example, "The new roundabout improved the flow of traffic."

Common error

While "flow of traffic" is appropriate for transportation discussions, avoid using it metaphorically in unrelated contexts where a more precise term would be better. For instance, instead of saying "the flow of traffic of information", consider "information exchange" or "information dissemination".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow of traffic" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes the movement of vehicles, people, or data. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage across various contexts. Its main function is to describe how entities navigate a given space.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flow of traffic" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, or data. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is used in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, and in general discussions about transportation and urban planning. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it’s important to use it appropriately and avoid overuse in unrelated contexts. Alternatives such as "traffic movement", "traffic volume", and "traffic circulation" can provide more specific or nuanced descriptions. Overall, the consistent and frequent use of the phrase across reputable sources confirms its reliability in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traffic movement

This alternative provides a direct and simple substitution.

vehicle flow

This alternative inverts the phrase structure while retaining the meaning.

traffic circulation

This alternative focuses on the movement of traffic within a defined area.

road traffic

This alternative specifies the context of the traffic being on roads.

traffic volume

This alternative emphasizes the quantity of vehicles or people moving.

traffic pattern

This alternative implies a recurring or predictable movement of traffic.

traffic stream

This alternative evokes a continuous and directed movement of traffic.

ebb and flow of traffic

This alternative highlights the fluctuating nature of traffic.

traffic congestion

This alternative focuses specifically on instances of heavy or impeded traffic.

movement of vehicles

This alternative offers a more descriptive and less idiomatic substitute.

FAQs

How can I use "flow of traffic" in a sentence?

You can use "flow of traffic" to describe the movement of vehicles or pedestrians. For example: "The construction is disrupting the "flow of traffic" on Main Street."

What are some alternatives to "flow of traffic"?

Alternatives include "traffic movement", "traffic volume", or "traffic circulation" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to say traffic is 'against the flow'?

If traffic is moving 'against the flow', it means it is moving in the opposite direction to the usual or designated "traffic circulation".

How does road design affect the "flow of traffic"?

Road design, including the number of lanes, the presence of roundabouts, and the timing of traffic lights, can significantly impact the "traffic movement" and efficiency on a road.